The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Rutherford, New South Wales

Camping with pets in Rutherford means wide open paddocks, gum trees, and more than 1,200 pet-friendly options to choose from. You’ll find sites where your dog can roam, showers for a quick wash after muddy walks, and campfires allowed when the season’s right. Most places here back onto bushland or farmland—perfect for wildlife-watching, swimming in creeks, or even a bit of horseback-riding. Prices start at just $12 a night, averaging around $54, so there’s something for every budget. Locals rave about Bunyip's Camp (951 reviews), Fern Valley Ranch (788 reviews), and Wattle Valley Farm (578 reviews) for their relaxed rules, shaded spots, and easy access to water. Bring your four-legged mate, pack the marshmallows, and don’t forget the lead—Rutherford’s got room for all of you.

96% (11.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Rutherford

Camping with pets in Rutherford means wide open paddocks, gum trees, and more than 1,200 pet-friendly options to choose from. You’ll find sites where your dog can roam, showers for a quick wash after muddy walks, and campfires allowed when the season’s right. Most places here back onto bushland or farmland—perfect for wildlife-watching, swimming in creeks, or even a bit of horseback-riding. Prices start at just $12 a night, averaging around $54, so there’s something for every budget. Locals rave about Bunyip's Camp (951 reviews), Fern Valley Ranch (788 reviews), and Wattle Valley Farm (578 reviews) for their relaxed rules, shaded spots, and easy access to water. Bring your four-legged mate, pack the marshmallows, and don’t forget the lead—Rutherford’s got room for all of you.

96% (11.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Rutherford

1. Gateway to Port Stephens

89%

(61)

38km from Rutherford · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

Gateway is an open ,grassed, flat area with afternoon shade, we have tents sites available as well as room for RV's. Sites are allocated on a first in first served basis, please make sure to keep the entry way clear for other campers to enter and exit. Our 25 acre property is set on rural farm land adjacent the Worimi Conservation lands at the gateway to beautiful Port Stephens and the Tilligerry Peninsular making it a great place to base while exploring our beautiful paradise. We are located 40 mins from Newcastle ,20 mins from Birubi Beach Anna Bay the northern end of the 32 km long Stockton beach which is well known for its giant sand dunes and great surfing, you can also go for a camel ride while you are there ,it's 30 mins to Nelson Bay and Shoal Bay which has several beautiful beaches and great restaurants. Next door is Oakvale Wildlife Park and close by is Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters and Go carts Go. A boat ramp to the Tilligerry river is 2.5 kms away which is a great area to fish and kayak . Popular bushwalking tracks are also nearby. Our local shops including a Bp foodworks, bakery, bottle shop, fruit and vege and Take away are 2.5 km away. Also close by is Murrays Brewery and Sunset Vines both with great food, wine, beer and weekend entertainment. We have a flushing toilet.Tank water is for onsite usage only and we ask that you are conservative with water usage. Electricity hook up is available within the campsite (bring an extension lead) BYO firewood and please be firesafe at all times Dogs are welcome, for the safety of others campers they must be kept on leash during your stay and please keep dogs away from all horses on the property. We do ask that you take all rubbish with you when you leave, we do supply a bin for recyclables such as bottles and cans only. We are in a rural area so there will be mozzies so bring your insect repellant. Please be respectful to other campers, no loud music at night.

2. Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach

96%

(58)

55km from Rutherford · 209 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

While many of our holiday parks offer a beachfront location, Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach takes things up a notch with a 1.6-kilometre stretch of sand, right on your doorstep. Set on the holiday park’s namesake – One Mile Beach – there’s no need to factor in a commute for your morning beach stroll or swim these holidays. If you’re feeling adventurous during your stay, you’re in for a treat with over 26 beaches located in the Port Stephens region including the 32-kilometre Stockton Beach, which is home to the largest sand dunes in the southern hemisphere. It’s these very dunes where you can experience camel rides at sunset or sandboarding down them at high speed. Choose between camping, caravan sites, cabins or villas for your stay at Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach – with direct beach access available from all villas for those who enjoy the idea of waking up to the sound of rolling waves. While you’ve got the best of Port Stephens less than 15 minutes’ drive away, there’s plenty to keep the family entertained within the holiday park grounds such as a games room, jumping cushion, playground and ball court. Given its position along the coastline, seafood lovers will love the local oyster bars and seafood restaurants close by, like restaurant institution Rick Steins at Bannisters.

3. Lostock Dam Caravan Park

95%

(22)

44km from Rutherford · 21 sites · Tents, RVs

Bordering the majestic Barrington Tops National Park and nestled in an amphitheater of mountainous surrounds, we have all the right ingredients to take you to a reality where you can forget the grind of your everyday life. Allow yourself to be taken away by the serenity of unspoiled nature, of beautiful Paterson and Allyn Rivers. Tranquillity is waiting for you at Lostock. We have both powered and unpowered site options available. Year round activities at Lostock include: Canoeing in river and or dam Swimming Fishing Barrington Tops offers a bushwalker’s paradise, with an excellent walking track network that includes short and easy walks and push bike tracks 4 Wheel Driving Star Gazing Motorbike Riding Bird Watching

4. Clifford Park

77km from Rutherford · 1 site · Tent, RV

Undulating horse paddocks and open fields, sandy creek, billabong, abundant birdlife, and wildlife at night. Enjoy starry skies in this mountainous area with cliffs and quiet, natural, unspoiled spots at the foot of the mountains, accessible by foot. Sandy creek banks can be crossed in boots unless water levels are high. Drinking water is available from pristine National Park sources.

5. Domaine De Binet

97%

(149)

16km from Rutherford · 7 sites · Tents, RVs

Nestled in the heart of Australia's renowned Hunter Valley wine region, Binet Wines offers a truly unique and immersive camping experience for those seeking a taste of rustic luxury. This is our Domaine De Binet - Chapel Block property, just seven minutes up the road from our main property - Binet Family Wines - where you'll find our cellar door, and the Front Paddock (also bookable on Hipcamp). Surrounded by lush vineyards and picturesque landscapes, this hidden gem is a haven for Hipcampers seeking tranquility and connection with nature. Wake up to the serenity, and sip your coffee against the backdrop of rolling hills. By night gaze under a canopy of stars, while savouring Binet Family Wines! Whether you are a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a serene escape, Binet Wines invites to you enjoy this one-of-a-kind camping experience.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Jeremy

2 weeks ago

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Lostock Dam Caravan Park

Very Tidy, lots of room we had a group of 12 people, 8 cars very friendly caravan park, close to the river, clean facilities but very old school. People live onsite in van homes but are all very friendly. Would recommend this spot to anyone who wants to chill out and have a relaxing stay away from civilisation, reception is a 10 min drive away for Telstra customers…

Karin

2 weeks ago

7 m Class A

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Domaine De Binet

The owner was amazing! Hospitality was top notch! We would highly recommend this place for a stay.

H

Hayden

November 2025

10 m travel trailer

2 nights at Domaine De Binet

Great amenities and lovely hosts. Would recommend to everyone.

P

PUJAN

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lostock Dam Caravan Park

Very very goooooooooooooooooooood, if you forgot anything which necessary for camping, check at office… meet the host and get your stuff from there………local for vocal.

b

bhavesh

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lostock Dam Caravan Park

This spot was nicely maintained. Office person were so warm and welcoming.

D

Deborah

November 2025

11 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Domaine De Binet

This was our second stay with the Binet family group, this time we stayed at camp site number one which was situated right next to the open air chapel and we also had our own picnic bench, fire pit, power and water connection. We were in close proximity to the amenities block which is immaculately presented and features separate toilets and one of the best rainfall shower heads you will ever experience! It was a dog friendly site and our fur babies absolutely loved it. Plenty of freshly manicured gardens and fields to explore and it was right next to the vines. There is a superb, newly opened cafe called Flock & Fork on the adjacent Tatler Wines property (about 2min walk from camp), Currently open Thursday to Sunday for breakfast and lunch - it’s very dog friendly and the food is absolutely SCRUMPTIOUS! Our stay was perfectly topped off with a wine tasting experience with the friendly and very knowledgeable staff at the Binet Cellar Door (on site about 1min walk from camp, also dog friendly). They have a generous range of high quality wines to sample and enjoy, the courtyard is picturesque and the wines will not disappoint! Huge thanks to owners Nat and Dan, their lovely family and fur babies for being so warm and welcoming! We cannot fault their hospitality or this location. FIVE STARS 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

K

Kieran

October 2025

7 m travel trailer

With kids

2 nights at Domaine De Binet

Excellent site, quiet with a great view. Had a power hook up that I hadn’t been expecting. Bathroom with shower was really nice and clean. Natalie was quick to respond.

m

monique

October 2025

8 m travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Domaine De Binet

Great spot we would come back again. Nice bathrooms and shower too and close to the center of pokolbin

H

Harriet

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach

We stayed here for 3 nights and was one of the best camp sites we’ve stayed in! Reception staff are very welcoming, the site itself is really well maintained and there’s plenty to do. The pool area is perfect, the beach is only a short walk with a cafe/bar/restaurant just by it. Would highly recommend!

J

Jo

October 2025

8 m pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at Ingenia Holidays One Mile Beach

From booking, checkin & checkout was faultless. Staff are very friendly & helpful. Real pride is taken. Enjoyable & would recommend.

J

Josephine

October 2025

6 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Domaine De Binet

We have an amazing stay at Binet winery, beautiful setting in the vineyard, lush green grass and blissfully quiet. Dan and Natalie are the perfect host. AND let’s not forget to mention the wine…… the best wine in the Hunter Valley. We will becoming back!!!

Unpowered sites, with excellent views of Lostock Dam wall

I

Iain

October 2025

9 m travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Lostock Dam Caravan Park

Awesome views, basis amenities. No phone signal which is a plus. Good swimming

R

Rhys

October 2025

12 m travel trailer

3 nights at Domaine De Binet

From the moment we arrived, Domaine De Binet exceeded our expectations. The property is stunning, with beautiful vineyard views and a peaceful atmosphere. The staff were warm, welcoming, and went above and beyond to make our stay special. The wine tasting was a highlight—every drop was delicious! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a relaxing getaway in wine country. We will be back one day.

R

Robert

September 2025

10 m pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Domaine De Binet

It’s a stunning location amongst the vines with beautiful amenities. We were spoiled with an afternoon of wine tasting with a fantastic host. We will be back without a doubt….

I

Ian

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lostock Dam Caravan Park

The campsite was good value at $50 for two people for two nights. The problem was that Hipcamp charged me $86 to camp there. I learnt my lesson and will try my hardest to never book through Hipcamp again.